By Mary Thurwachter
For both residents and merchants, it has been a long 18 months with the East Ocean Avenue Bridge closed. But since construction is nearly complete, and a date has been firmed up for the new $32 million bridge to open, it’s time to celebrate.
Lantana’s shindig, with ribbon-cutting, food, music and fireworks, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 16, at Bicentennial Park. A “First ___ Over the Bridge Parade” is being planned, similar to the one the town held when the old bridge closed.
The county-owned bridge will open to regular traffic following the party.
The old span, open for 62 years, closed in March 2012. The new bridge is 11 feet higher than its predecessor and will reduce by about 40 percent the number of times the drawbridge opens for boats.
A second celebration, with a live band, bounce house for kids and refreshments, is being planned by the merchants at Plaza del Mar in Manalapan from noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 17.
Having the bridge out of commission took a toll on many, who had to use bridges in Lake Worth or Boynton Beach for regular crossings, and on businesses on either side.
Alan Ross of Shades of Time has been on Ocean Avenue (west of the bridge) for 20 years and said his business dipped at least 40 percent during the bridge closing.
“It’s been a disaster for people on this street,” he said. “A lot of people have gone. I wish the town and the Chamber [of Commerce] would have done more to help merchants. There was a lot of talk before [the bridge closed] about events, but there were no events.”
He praised the Lantana Police Department for coming in his store regularly to see how he was doing.
“I can’t underscore enough the attention paid to me by the guys and gals in the Police Department,” he said.
Ross, who lives in South Palm Beach and has been driving to and from work via the Lake Worth Bridge, said he looks forward to the Ocean Avenue Bridge reopening.
“Hopefully, there will be a resurgence,” he said.
On the east side of the bridge, news of the opening is equally welcomed.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa director of marketing John Bradway said he was “delighted.”
“While the bridge has been closed, we have not experienced any economic impact as our guests are still able to access our resort location through other routes,”Bradway said. “However, many of our guests like to frequent the local restaurants and stores on the other side of the bridge and we know that the opening will mean a more positive impact on the local businesses in Lantana through increased patronage from guests at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.”
If you go: Lantana Bridge Opening Party, 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 16, at Bicentennial Park, 321 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. Ribbon-cutting, food, music by the Chase Stites Band, parade and fireworks. Free. For more information, call (561) 540-5000 or see www.lantana.org.
Plaza del Mar Bridge Opening Celebration, noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 17, at Plaza del Mar, 250 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. Live music, refreshments and a bounce house for kids. Sponsored by the merchants of Plaza del Mar. Free. Call (561) 762-5340.
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